CN111970411B - Image forming apparatus, control method, recording medium, and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus and the like capable of acquiring an issued message and issuing a state of the image forming apparatus based on the acquired message. The image forming apparatus is included in a system having: a server that provides messages issued from a plurality of devices to the respective devices in time series; and an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image based on output data, the image forming apparatus including: a message acquisition unit that acquires a message provided by the server; a message determination unit that determines the type of the acquired message; a message generation unit that generates a message based on a state of the image forming apparatus when the type of the message is an output request; and a message distribution unit configured to distribute the generated message to the server.

Description

Image forming apparatus, control method, recording medium and system

technical field

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and the like. This application claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-94706 filed in Japan on May 20, 2019, and the entire contents thereof are hereby incorporated by reference.

Background technique

Conventionally, a so-called network print service has been proposed in which a user uploads data such as image data using a network such as the Internet, and outputs the uploaded data from a multifunction machine installed in a store or the like.

In addition, techniques for improving the convenience of users using multifunction devices installed in stores and the like have also been proposed. For example, a technique has been proposed in which, if an operating condition prediction server acquires operating condition management information from a service device such as a distributed multifunction device to predict the operating condition, the predicted operating condition prediction information is transmitted to the server as an access server. The mobile terminal of the terminal (for example, refer to cited document 1).

prior art literature

patent documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-138400

Contents of the invention

Technical problem to be solved by the present invention

However, the technique described in Cited Document 1 transmits the forecast of the operating conditions to the terminal, but does not transmit the current operating conditions. Therefore, in order to know the actual operating conditions, the user needs to go near the image forming apparatus. As a result, when the user arrives at a place where the MFPs are installed, the user needs to wait one by one (delay in output), or if the distance from the image forming apparatus is long, the user is troubled.

In addition, in order to transmit the operating condition forecast information, it is necessary for the user to register a contact destination and the like with the service operating company that transmits the operating condition forecast information. Thus, there is a problem that the user cannot confirm the operation status of the image forming apparatus in real time by a method that is easy to obtain.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and the like capable of acquiring distributed information and distributing the state of the image forming apparatus based on the acquired information.

solution to the problem

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is included in a system having the following devices: a server that provides messages distributed from a plurality of apparatuses to each apparatus in time series; As for the image forming unit that forms an image, the above image forming apparatus is characterized in that it includes: a message acquiring unit that acquires a message provided by the server; a message judging unit that judges the type of the acquired message; a message generating unit , when the type of the message is an output request, generating a message based on the state of the image forming apparatus; and a message distributing unit distributing the generated message to the server.

A control method of the present invention is a control method of an image forming apparatus included in a system having: a server that supplies messages issued from a plurality of apparatuses to each apparatus in time series; and an image forming apparatus that It has an image forming unit that forms an image based on output data, and the control method is characterized by including: a step of acquiring a message provided by the server; a step of determining the type of the acquired message; In the case of an output request, generating a message based on the state of the image forming apparatus; and distributing the generated message to the server.

The computer-readable recording medium recording a program according to the present invention is characterized in that the program causes the computer of the image forming device included in the system to realize the following functions, wherein the system includes: a server that transmits data from a plurality of devices Posted messages are provided to the respective devices in time series; and an image forming device having an image forming section that forms an image based on the output data, the functions are: a message acquisition function that acquires messages from the above-mentioned server; a message determination function that determining the type of the acquired message; a message generation function that generates a message based on the state of the image forming apparatus when the type of the message is an output request; and a message distribution function that distributes the generated message to Post to the above server.

The system of the present invention includes a server and an image forming apparatus, wherein the server includes: a providing unit that provides messages issued from a plurality of apparatuses to each apparatus in time series, and the image forming apparatus includes: a message acquiring unit that acquiring a message provided by the server; a message judging unit that judges the type of the acquired message; and a message generating unit that generates a message based on the state of the image forming apparatus when the type of the message is an output request. a message; and a message release unit, which releases the generated message to the server.

Invention effect

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain distributed messages, and to distribute the status of the image forming apparatus based on the obtained messages.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of an output system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of group information in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a message in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of output information in the first embodiment.

8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of main processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of status distribution processing in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of output data storage processing in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of output processing in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of main processing of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of status reissue processing in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an overall configuration of an output system according to a third embodiment.

20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of main processing of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of output data storage processing in the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of output data storage processing in the third embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the third embodiment.

26 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of main processing of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of recommendation transmission processing in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the fourth embodiment.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in this embodiment, an output system of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described as an example.

[1. First Embodiment]

[1.1 Overall structure]

The overall structure of the output system 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated based on FIG. 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 1 , the output system 1 is configured by connecting a terminal device 10 , a server device 20 , and an image forming device 30 via a network NW. The network NW may be constituted by an external network such as the Internet, or may be constituted by a LAN (Local Area Network, local area network) or the like.

The terminal device 10 is an information processing device, and is constituted by devices such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a PC (Personal Computer). In addition, the server device 20 is an information processing device, and provides a function (hereinafter referred to as "message sending and receiving function") that enables sending and receiving of messages between a plurality of devices. The terminal device 10 transmits and receives messages with one or more other devices using an application program for utilizing a messaging function (hereinafter referred to as a "messenger application").

In addition, in this embodiment, transmission of a message from a device such as the terminal device 10 to the server device 20 is described as distribution, and reception of a message from the server device 20 by a device such as the terminal device 10 is described as acquisition.

The message in this embodiment refers to data delivered to the server device 20 . The message may include necessary information among information indicating a message distribution source, a message distribution destination, a message body (distribution content), and the like. In addition, the distribution content may be text data or information representing an image. The information indicating the image is, for example, the image data itself, or information showing the location of the image data (for example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator, Uniform Resource Locator, file name)).

The image forming device 30 is a device that performs output based on the output data by forming an image based on the output data on recording paper or the like, and is a so-called multifunction peripheral. The output data refers to data that can be output by the image forming apparatus 30 , and is, for example, file data such as image data and PDF.

The image forming apparatus 30 of the present embodiment is also an apparatus utilizing a message sending and receiving function, and distributes a message to the server apparatus 20 or acquires a message from the server apparatus 20 . In addition, the image forming apparatus 30 of this embodiment stores the image acquired based on the information indicating the image as output data when the message indicating that the information indicating the image is included in the distribution content is transmitted from the terminal device 10 , and converts the image based on An image of the stored output data is formed on recording paper or the like.

[1.2 Functional structure]

[1.2.1 Terminal device]

The functional configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the terminal device 10 is configured to include a control unit 100 , a display unit 110 , an operation input unit 120 , a storage unit 130 , and a communication unit 140 .

The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire terminal device 10 . The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs, and is composed of, for example, one or more computing devices (CPU (Central Processing Unit, central processing unit)) and the like.

In addition, the control unit 100 also functions as the timeline display control unit 102 through a messenger application 132 described later. The time axis display control unit 102 performs control to read the messages stored in the message storage area 136 , and display the information included in the messages on the display unit 110 in order of the posting date and time of the messages. In this embodiment, the display of messages arranged in time series in this way is called "time axis".

The time axis display control unit 102 updates the time axis at a predetermined timing. The timing when the time axis display control unit 102 updates the time axis is when a message is posted, when a message is acquired, when the user performs an operation to redisplay the time axis every predetermined time, and the like.

The display unit 110 is a functional unit for displaying various information to the user, and is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid crystal display, liquid crystal display) or the like. In addition, the operation input unit 120 is a functional unit for the user to perform various operations, and is constituted by, for example, a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 110 . Touch detection by the touch panel is an electrostatic induction method or a pressure sensitive method, and is realized by a known technique. In addition, the operation input unit 120 may be constituted by various operation devices such as a mouse and a keyboard.

The storage unit 130 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 10 . The storage unit 130 is constituted by, for example, a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive, hard disk drive), or the like.

The storage section 130 stores a messenger application 132 , and secures a group information storage area 134 , a message storage area 136 , and an image data storage area 138 .

The messenger app 132 is an application (application) for utilizing a messaging function. The messenger application 132 generates a message including the content of the message input by the user, information on the destination, and the source of the message, and distributes the message to the server device 20 when the user performs an operation to distribute the message. In addition, the messenger application 132 transmits a message provision request indicating a request to provide a message to the server device 20 when the user performs an operation to obtain a message. When a message is provided from the server device 20 after sending the message provision request, the messenger application 132 acquires the provided message and stores it in the message storage area 136 .

In addition, the message providing request may also include limiting conditions for limiting the message to be provided. For the server device 20, when the message provision request includes a limited condition, the message providing unit 220 described later provides a message satisfying the limited condition. For example, when the timeline of the specified group is displayed by the timeline display control unit 102 , the messenger app 132 transmits a message provision request including the group ID of the group and the posting time of the displayed latest message. At this time, the server device 20 provides a message whose delivery destination group ID matches the group ID included in the message providing request and whose delivery time is later than the time included in the message providing request.

The group information storage area 134 is an area for storing group information which is information related to a group. Here, a group refers to a person who centrally manages accounts of a plurality of users. In addition, the term "account" refers to information distributed by the server device 20, and is information capable of identifying a device using a message sending and receiving function. The group information of the group to which the terminal device 10 belongs is stored in the group information storage area 134 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of group information in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3 , a group ID (for example, "G001") for identifying a group and an account belonging to the group (for example, "user1, MFP1") are stored in the group information.

As shown in Figure 3: if a group contains two accounts, it is a group for one-to-one message sending and receiving; if a group contains more than three accounts, it is a group for one-to-many message sending and receiving.

In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the messenger application 132 publishes a message on a group basis or obtains a message on a group basis based on the group information will be described. In addition, a case where the time axis display control unit 102 displays messages on a time axis in units of groups will be described.

In addition, when the user performs an operation of selecting one or more accounts to create a group, or an operation of adding or deleting accounts belonging to the group, group information is stored based on the operation.

Also, when group information is stored in a certain terminal device 10 , the changed group information is transmitted to other terminal devices 10 , server device 20 , and image forming device 30 . In addition, the device that has received the group information stores the received group information. In this way, the consistency of the group information stored in the terminal device 10 , the server device 20 , and the image forming device 30 is maintained. For example, when group information is stored in the terminal device 10 , the stored group information is transmitted to the server device 20 . Based on the group information received from the terminal device 10 , the server device 20 transmits group information to a device specified by an account that has changed (added or deleted) the group to which it belongs. In addition, the server device 20 transmits group information to a device specified by an account belonging to a group whose belonging account has been changed.

The message storage area 136 is an area for storing messages distributed to groups to which the terminal device 10 belongs. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a message in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4 , a delivery destination group ID (for example, "G001") for identifying a delivery destination group of the message, a delivery ID for identifying an account of a delivery source of the message are stored in the message. The source account (for example "user 1"), the release date and time (for example "2019/01/2810:00:01") indicating the date and time of posting the message, and the release content input by the user (for example "I want to print").

Also, when the distribution content is information showing images, the image data may be stored in the message itself, or information showing the location of the image data may be stored as the message as shown in D100 of FIG. 4 .

The image data storage area 138 is an area for storing image data. The image data stored in the image data storage area 138 is image data received by the communication unit 140 or image data captured by an image input device such as a camera included in the terminal device 10 .

The communication unit 140 is a functional unit for the terminal device 10 to communicate with an external device. For example, it is composed of a NIC (Network Interface Card) used by wireless LAN, and a communication module connectable to LTE/LTE-A (LTE-Advanced)/LAA (License-Assisted Accessusing LTE)/5G lines.

[1.2.2 Server device]

Referring to FIG. 5 , the functional configuration of the server device 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5 , the server device 20 is configured to include a control unit 200 , a message receiving unit 210 , a message providing unit 220 , a communication unit 230 , and a storage unit 240 .

The control unit 200 is a functional unit for controlling the server device 20 as a whole. The control unit 200 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs, and is composed of, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPUs).

The message receiving unit 210 is a functional unit that receives a message delivered from an external device via the communication unit 230 and stores it in the message storage area 244 . In addition, when the distribution content of the message includes information indicating an image, image data based on the information indicating an image is acquired and stored in the image data storage area 246 . Furthermore, when a message is distributed, the message receiving unit 210 may transmit a notification indicating that the message has been distributed to devices belonging to the group specified as the distribution destination.

The message providing unit 220 is a functional unit that, when receiving a message providing request via the communication unit 230 , provides (transmits) the messages stored in the message storage area 244 in time series to the device that has sent the message providing request. Also, when the message provision request includes a limited condition, the message providing unit 220 provides a message satisfying the limited condition.

The communication unit 230 is a functional unit for the server device 20 to communicate with an external device. For example, it is constituted by a NIC used by a wired/wireless LAN.

The storage unit 240 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the server device 20 . The storage unit 240 is constituted by, for example, an SSD, an HDD, or the like as a semiconductor memory.

The storage unit 240 secures a group information storage area 242 , a message storage area 244 , and an image data storage area 246 . The group information storage area 242 is an area for storing group information of devices using the messaging function. In addition, the message storage area 244 is an area for storing messages delivered from devices using the messaging function.

[1.2.3 Image forming device]

The functional configuration of image forming apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . As shown in FIG. 6 , image forming apparatus 30 is configured to include control unit 300 , image input unit 320 , image processing unit 330 , image forming unit 340 , display unit 350 , operation input unit 360 , storage unit 370 , and communication unit 390 .

The control unit 300 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 30 . The control unit 300 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs, and is composed of, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPUs). In addition, the control unit 300 functions as a message acquisition unit 302 , a message determination unit 304 , and a message generation unit 306 by reading and executing software (program) stored in the storage unit 370 .

The message acquisition unit 302 is a functional unit that transmits a message provision request to the server device 20 , acquires a message from the server device 20 , and stores the acquired message in the message storage area 374 . The message acquisition unit 302 may periodically transmit a message provision request, or may transmit a message provision request when receiving a notification from the server device 20 indicating that a message has been distributed. In addition, the message acquiring unit 302 may acquire unacquired messages and the like for the specified group by including a limiting condition in the message provision request.

The message judging unit 304 is a functional unit that judges the type of a message. The type of message indicates the content shown by the posting content of the message. The message judging unit 304 uses statistical methods such as natural language processing (such as keyword extraction and sentence structure analysis), machine learning, etc. to analyze the posting content and judge the type of the message. In addition, the message determination unit 304 outputs the determination result including the type of the message to the control unit 300 .

The types of messages judged by the message judging unit 304 in this embodiment are as follows.

· Output request

The output request is a message indicating that the state of the image forming apparatus 30 is requested to be released when the image forming apparatus 30 outputs the image data stored in the terminal device 10 . The case where the type of message is an output request means, for example, that the post content of the message includes a sentence indicating an output request such as "I want to print", or that the post content includes information indicating an image. Here, the words indicating the output request are, for example, words such as "I want to print", "Print", and "Print", and these words only need to be stored in the storage unit 370 .

・Output implementation request

The output execution request is a message requesting the image forming apparatus 30 to perform a process of storing information necessary for output. The case where the type of the message is an output execution request means, for example, that the content of the announcement includes a sentence indicating a request for output execution, such as "print".

・Output setting request

The output setting request is a message requesting the image forming apparatus 30 to designate or change the output method (output setting) of the output data. The case where the type of the message is an output execution request means, for example, that the content of the post includes words related to output methods such as "A4" and "color", etc., such as paper size and color mode. Therefore, the message determination unit 304 determines that the type of the message is an output setting request for a message whose distribution content is text data such as "A4" and "output in color". In addition, the message judging unit 304 may include, in the judging result, words included in the posting content such as "A4" and "color". In this way, the control unit 300 that has output the determination result can specify that the output setting desired by the user is "A4" and "color".

・Output start request

The output start request is a message requesting the image forming apparatus 30 to start outputting output data. The case where the type of the message is an output start request means, for example, that the posting content includes a sentence indicating the start of output such as "I want to print" and a sentence indicating that the user is in front of the image forming apparatus 30 such as "Come here". .

In addition, when the type of the message is not any of the above-mentioned types, the determination result by the message determination unit 304 may include information indicating that it is not of any type.

The message generating unit 306 is a functional unit that generates a message based on an instruction from the control unit 300 and outputs the generated message to the control unit 300 . Regarding the distribution content included in the message, the message generation unit 306 selects an appropriate fixed word from the fixed words stored in advance, or generates a sentence in which predetermined information is embedded in a template stored in advance.

The image input unit 320 is a functional unit for reading a document input to the image forming apparatus 30 to generate image data. For example, it is connected to a document reading device (for example, a scanner), and generates image data based on a document input from the document reading device. In addition, the image processing unit 330 is a functional unit that performs various image processing on image data. For example, sharpening processing of image data, or color conversion processing is performed.

The image forming unit 340 is a functional unit for forming the image data generated by the image input unit 320 and an image based on the output data stored in the output data storage area 376 on a recording medium (for example, recording paper). The image forming unit 340 is constituted by, for example, a laser printer using an electrophotographic method or the like.

The display unit 350 is a functional unit for displaying various information to the user. For example, it is composed of an LCD, an organic EL (electro-luminescence, electroluminescence) panel, and the like. In addition, the operation input unit 360 is a functional unit for the user to perform various operations. For example, operation input unit 360 is constituted by a touch panel superimposed on display unit 350 . Touch detection by the touch panel is an electrostatic induction method or a pressure sensitive method, and is realized by a known technique.

Storage unit 370 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of image forming apparatus 30 . The storage unit 370 is constituted by, for example, an SSD, an HDD, or the like as a semiconductor memory.

The storage unit 370 secures a group information storage area 372 , a message storage area 374 , an output data storage area 376 , and an output information storage area 378 . Group information storage area 372 is an area for storing group information of a group to which image forming apparatus 30 belongs. Message storage area 374 is an area for storing messages posted to a group to which image forming apparatus 30 belongs.

The output data storage area 376 is an area for storing, as output data, image data based on information indicating an image contained in the distribution content of the message. In this embodiment, a case where output data is identified by an output data name will be described.

The output information storage area 378 is an area for storing output information, which is information related to output processing performed by the image forming apparatus 30 . FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data structure of output information in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, an output information ID (for example, "0001") for identifying output information, a group ID for identifying a group (for example, "G001"), and an output ID of image data for identifying an output are stored in the output information. Data name (eg "0001.jpg"), storage date and time indicating the date and time of storing output information (eg "2009/01/28 10:01:10"), and output setting information indicating the output setting of the output data .

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the output setting information stores the paper size of the recording paper (for example, "A4"), the color mode at the time of output (for example, "monochrome"), and the method of arranging multiple images on one page and printing them. The settings are repeated printing (such as "4 pages (repeated)"), single-sided/double-sided printing (such as "one-sided printing") indicating the side of the recording paper to be output, and output copies indicating the number of copies at the time of output number (eg "3"). The image forming apparatus 30 outputs output data based on the output setting information. The output setting information may be part of the above-mentioned items, or may include items other than the above-mentioned items.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the corresponding output data and output information are deleted when output data is output by the user has been described. Therefore, output data and output information not output by the user are stored in the output data storage area 376 and the output information storage area 378 .

Communication unit 390 is a functional unit for image forming apparatus 30 to communicate with an external device. For example, it consists of a NIC used by wired/wireless LAN, and a communication module connectable to LTE/LTE-A/LAA/5G lines.

[1.3 Processing flow]

Next, the processing flow of the image forming apparatus 30 of this embodiment will be described. In addition, a case where the terminal device 10 and the image forming device 30 belong to the same group will be described.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the flow of the main processing of image forming apparatus 30 will be described. First, the message acquiring unit 302 acquires a message from the server device 20 (step S102). Next, the message determination unit 304 determines the type of the message acquired by the message acquisition unit 302, and outputs the determination result to the control unit 300 (step S104).

Next, the control unit 300 judges whether the type of the message included in the judgment result is an output request, and if the type of the message is an output request, executes a status release process (step S106; YES→step S108). The status dissemination process refers to a process of distributing the status of the image forming apparatus 30 .

As the state of the image forming apparatus 30 , for example, the following state is considered.

(1) Whether the image forming apparatus 30 is in operation

(2) The number of output data stored in the output data storage area 376

(3) Number of people around image forming apparatus 30

(4) Utilization rate at specified time

Here, for example, regarding (1), the state that the image forming apparatus 30 is in operation means that the image forming apparatus 30 is in operation when an operation is input via the operation input unit 360 or a job is executed based on an operation input via the operation input unit 360 . middle. As for (3), it is sufficient to connect an imaging device such as a human sensor or a camera to the image forming device 30 , and measure the number of people in the image forming device 30 based on information input through the sensor or video. With respect to (4), for example, the utilization rate is calculated by measuring the operating time of the image forming apparatus 30 within the last 24 hours and dividing the measured time by 24 hours.

In addition, the image forming apparatus 30 may issue states other than the above-mentioned states, or may issue a combination of several states.

The flow of status announcement processing will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . First, the control unit 300 initializes two variables, the flag in operation and the number of output data, by substituting "0" for each of them (step S1102). These variables are used to temporarily store information representing the state of the image forming apparatus 30 . The in-operation flag is information indicating whether there is a user using the image forming apparatus 30 and whether the user is operating the image forming apparatus 30 , and a case where the in-operation flag is “1” indicates that there is a user who is operating the image forming apparatus 30 . In addition, the number of output data indicates the number of output data stored in the output data storage area 376, that is, output data not output by the user.

Next, control unit 300 determines whether image forming apparatus 30 is being operated, and if it is being operated, substitutes "1" into the operating flag (step S1104; Yes→step S1106). In addition, the control unit 300 substitutes the number of output data stored in the output data storage area 376 into the number of output data (step S1108).

Next, control unit 300 instructs message generation unit 306 to input an in-operation flag and the number of output data to generate a message based on the state of image forming apparatus 30 . The message generation unit 306 generates a message including distribution contents based on the in-operation flag and the number of output data (step S1110). For example, the message generation unit 306 regards the sum of the value of the flag in operation and the value of the output data count as the number of people, and generates text such as "crowded (10 people)" including the number of people and an overview of the state of the image forming apparatus 30. Data as a message to publish content. In addition, as other examples of posting content, if the value of the flag in operation is 1, text data such as "currently in operation" may be included, or the number of output data may be directly used to include "there are 7 output data " Text data such as . Furthermore, the distribution content may be information representing an image showing the state of the image forming apparatus 30 by means of graphics, icons, or the like. That is, as long as the distribution content contained in the message can express the state of the image forming apparatus 30, the message generating unit 306 can perform various expressions, and the expression of the distribution content may be predetermined or can be determined by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 30. and so on. Also, when the message generated by the message generating unit 306 is output, the control unit 300 distributes the generated message to the server device 20 (step S1112).

Returning to Fig. 8, when the type of message contained in the determination result is not an output request, then the control unit 300 determines whether the type of message contained in the determination result is an output implementation request (step S106; No→step S110) . When the type of the message included in the determination result is an output implementation request, output data storage processing is executed (step S110; YES→step S112).

The flow of output data storage processing will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . In the output data storage process, first, the control unit 300 stores image data as output data based on the acquired message (step S1202). For example, when the acquired message includes information indicating an image, the control unit 300 acquires image data based on the information indicating the image, and stores it in the output data storage area 376 . In addition, when the message including the information indicating the image cannot be acquired, the control unit 300 may issue a reminder message to urge the release of the message including the information indicating the image.

Next, the control unit 300 stores the output information (step S1204). The output information stored by the control unit 300 at this time includes the output information ID, the group ID contained in the message acquired in step S104, the output data name of the output data stored in step S1202, and the storage time.

Next, the message acquiring unit 302 acquires a message from the server device 20 (step S1206). In addition, the message judging unit 304 judges the type of the acquired message, and outputs the judgment result to the control unit 300 (step S1208).

The control unit 300 judges whether or not the type of message included in the judgment result is an output setting request (step S1210). When the message type is an output setting request, a value is stored in the output setting information of the output information based on the sentence included in the distribution content (step S1210; YES→step S1212). For example, in the case where the content of the distribution includes a statement containing the size of recording paper such as "A4" and "B5", the control unit 300 stores values such as "A4" and "B5" as the "paper size" of the output setting information. " value. In addition, at this time, the control unit 300 newly stores the stored time as the current time.

Next, the control unit 300 judges whether or not the output data can be output (step S1214). The fact that the output data can be output means that the image forming apparatus 30 is in a state capable of forming an image based on the output data and the output setting information.

If the output data can be output, the control unit 300 generates and distributes a message including information indicating a preview image of the image to be output via the message generating unit 306 (step S1214; Yes→step S1216). If the output data cannot be output, the control unit 300 generates a message urging the user to release information required for output via the message generating unit 306, and distributes the generated message (step S1214; NO→step S1222). The message for urging the user to distribute required information refers to a message that urges distribution related to output settings, such as "size?" and "do you have detailed settings?", for example.

Next, the control unit 300 generates a message including the amount required for the output of the output data, the required time, and the content of confirmation via the message generating unit 306, and distributes the generated message (step S1218). Execution confirmation refers to an instruction to ask the user whether to output the output data based on the output setting information by the image forming apparatus 30 , whether to reset the output setting, or whether to stop the output. For example, the message generation unit 306 generates text data such as "Is this setting content ok?" "Please answer any one. 1: This content is ok, 2: Review output setting, 3: Suspend output" as the distribution content. news.

Next, the control unit 300 judges the user's instruction to perform confirmation. First, it is determined whether resetting of the output setting has been instructed (step S1220). The case where the resetting of the output setting is instructed means, for example, a case where a message indicating that the resetting of the output setting is performed is acquired in the delivery content by the message acquiring unit 302 . When resetting of the output setting is instructed, a message for urging the user to distribute information required for output is distributed (step S1220; YES→step S1222). At this time, the control unit 300 may clear the value of the output setting information and store the output setting information again from the beginning. In addition, in order to change only the output settings that the user desires to change, the output setting information that has already been stored may be overwritten based on the content of the output setting request message.

When resetting of the output setting has not been instructed, the control unit 300 determines whether or not output suspension has been instructed (step S1220; NO→step S1224). The case where output suspension is instructed refers to, for example, a case where a message indicating output suspension is acquired in the distribution content by the message acquisition unit 302 .

When there is no instruction to suspend the output, such as when the output is instructed, the control unit 300 causes the message generating unit 306 to generate a message including the distribution content indicating that the output is held, and distribute the generated message (step S1224; No → step S1226). The output holding state is a state in which output data and output information corresponding to the output data are stored, and is a state in which image forming apparatus 30 has not started output based on output data (non-output state). In addition, the distribution content indicating that the output is held refers to, for example, text data such as "please wait".

When an instruction to suspend output is given, the control unit 300 deletes the output data stored in step S1202 and the output information stored in step S1204 (step S1224; YES→step S1228).

Returning to FIG. 8 , if the content of the request is not an output execution request, then the control unit 300 determines whether the type of message included in the determination result is an output start request (step S110 ; NO→step S114 ). When the type of the message is an output execution request, output data storage processing is executed (step S114; YES→step S116).

The flow of the output processing will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . In the output process, first, the control unit 300 acquires the group ID included in the message acquired in step S104 (step S1302). Next, it is determined whether or not the group corresponding to the acquired group ID is in the output holding state (step S1304). Specifically, the control unit 300 limits output information based on the group ID acquired in step S1302. As a result of limitation, when one or more pieces of output information are obtained, the output data that has not been output is stored, so the control unit 300 can determine that it is in the output holding state.

In the case of the output holding state, the control unit 300 displays an output confirmation screen for outputting the output data on the display unit 350 (step S1304; Yes→step S1306). The output confirmation screen is a screen for instructing the user to output the output data, and is a screen including information such as a button for instructing the output of the output data, a fee for output, and the like.

When the user has instructed to output the output data, the control unit 300 outputs the output data based on the output setting information (step S1308). After the output is completed, the control unit 300 deletes the output data and the output information corresponding to the output data (step S1310).

Returning to FIG. 8 , when the type of the message is not an output start request, the control unit 300 generates a message including the usage method via the message generating unit 306 and distributes the generated message (step S114; NO→step S118). The message including the method of use is, for example, a message including distribution content prompting distribution of image data, or a message instructing a distribution output start request because there is output data in an output holding state.

[1.4 Action example]

An operation example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W100 displayed on the display unit 110 when the control unit 100 reads and executes the messenger application 132 . The display screen W100 includes an area E100 for displaying accounts belonging to the group, an area E102 for displaying a time axis, and an area E104 for inputting posting content and sending a message.

As shown in an area E100 of FIG. 12 , a group in which the user of the terminal device 10 (the account is "User 1") and the image forming device 30 (the account is "MFP1") performs one-to-one messaging.

In addition, messages are displayed in time series in an area E102 where a time axis is displayed. It is also possible to display the message in such a way that the distribution source can be distinguished. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , a message that the user of the terminal device 10 is the source is displayed on the right side of the screen, and a message that the image forming device 30 is the source is displayed on the left side of the screen. By displaying in this way, it is possible to visually show to the user of the terminal device 10 that the terminal device 10 and the image forming device 30 are communicating with each other. In addition, to distinguish the display of the distribution source, the background color and shape of the area where the message is displayed may be changed, or the color of the characters may be changed, or information indicating the distribution source (for example, account, user name) may be displayed. In addition, several display methods may be combined.

First, the user posts a message M100 whose content is text data such as "I want to print" and a message M102 whose content includes information indicating an image. The image forming apparatus 30 acquires the messages, and determines the types of the acquired messages M100 and M102. When the type of the message is an output request, the image forming apparatus 30 issues a message M104 whose content includes the status of the image forming apparatus 30 (for example, a message with text data such as “I am not busy now!”) ).

Next, the user issues a message M106 of "printing" such text data. Image forming apparatus 30 acquires the message, and determines the type of the acquired message M106. When the message type is an output execution request, the image forming apparatus 30 issues a message M108 asking for an output setting (for example, a message containing text data such as "what is the size?" as content). Also, the message M102 that has been issued by the user includes information representing an image, so the image forming apparatus 30 acquires image data based on the message M102, and stores as output data.

Image forming apparatus 30 stores information necessary for outputting output data by repeatedly inquiring about output settings. Then, when the output data can be output, the image forming apparatus 30 issues a message M110, and the content of the message M110 includes the money amount, the required time, and the confirmation.

When there is no instruction from the user to reconfigure the output setting or stop the output setting including the confirmation message M110, and the confirmation message M112 is issued, the image forming apparatus 30 issues a message M114 indicating that the output is held. .

(a) of FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen W120 displayed on the display unit 110 when the control unit 100 reads and executes the messenger application 132, and the image forming apparatus 30 distributes the message of FIG. Example of the display screen after the message M114. In addition, (b) of FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output confirmation screen W130 displayed on the display unit 350 of the image forming apparatus 30 .

As shown in (a) of FIG. 13 , the user issues a message M120 of text data such as "Come here". Image forming apparatus 30 acquires the message, and determines the type of the acquired message M120. When it is determined that the type of the message is an output start request, an output confirmation screen W130 shown in FIG. 13( b ) is displayed on the display unit 350 . The output confirmation screen W130 includes a button E130 for instructing to start the output, and an area E132 for displaying the fee. In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 13 , when a user other than the user who instructed the output is operating the image forming apparatus 30 , a button E134 for instructing not to start the output may be further included.

(a) of FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W140 displayed on the display unit 110 when the control unit 100 reads and executes the messenger application 132 for a group to which a plurality of users belong. In addition, (b) of FIG. 14 is a figure which shows only the area|region E142 which shows the time axis contained in the display screen W140. The area E142 included in (a) of FIG. 14 and the area shown in (b) of FIG. 14 are continuous in time series.

In addition, (a) of FIG. 14 shows a plurality of users using the terminal device 10 (the accounts are "User 1" and "User 2") and the image forming apparatus 30 (the account is "MFP1") as shown in the area E140. It is a diagram of an operation example of a group performing one-to-many message sending and receiving. In this case as well, the image forming apparatus 30 executes status posting processing and the like based on the message posted by the user.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 14 , one person such as a user belonging to a group posts a message M140 of text data such as "I want to print" and a message M142 of information including an image. Image forming apparatus 30 acquires the messages, and determines the types of the acquired messages M140 and M142. When the image forming apparatus 30 determines that the type of the message is an output request, it issues a message M144 whose content includes the status of the image forming apparatus 30 .

One of the users belonging to the group posts a message M146 whose posting content is text data such as "A3!". Image forming apparatus 30 acquires the message, and determines the type of the acquired message M146. When it is determined that the type of the message is an output setting request, output setting information is stored based on the request, and a message M148 in which the settings are stored is issued. In addition, a user different from the user who posted the message M146 posts a message M150 whose posting content is text data such as "Small is OK A4". In this case, image forming apparatus 30 also acquires the message, and determines the type of the acquired message M150.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 14 , when it is determined that the type of the message is an output setting request, a message M160 is issued. The content of the message M160 includes the state of the image forming apparatus 30 . In this manner, image forming apparatus 30 also determines the type of each message and executes predetermined processing even when a message is posted by a different user. In addition, when a message including an output setting request related to a paper size is issued like the message M146 and M150 in (b) of FIG. 14 , the image forming apparatus 30 stores the output setting information, namely Can.

If the image forming apparatus 30 can output the output data based on the output setting information, it issues a message M162 including information indicating a preview image of the image to be output. When the image forming apparatus 30 issues the message M162 and further issues the message M164 including the output setting request, the image forming apparatus 30 newly stores the output setting information, and again issues the information including the preview image indicating the image to be output. Message M166.

In addition, the above-mentioned description is an example, and it cannot be overemphasized that a change may be added suitably. For example, in this embodiment, image data is used as output data, but output data may be PDF data, article data created by word processing software, or presentation data created by presentation software.

In addition, in this embodiment, the output conditions are stored based on the message posted by the user, but the output conditions may be fixed in advance and cannot be set by the user, for example. In this case, after the user confirms the state of the image forming apparatus 30, the image forming apparatus 30 can be placed in the output hold state only by distributing the image data.

In this embodiment, a case has been described where the output data and output information are stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus 30 , but they may also be stored in a server that manages the image forming apparatus 30 . In this case, the image forming apparatus 30 may set the amount of output data to the amount of output data stored in the server that manages the image forming apparatus 30 .

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the storage date and time are stored in the output information, the image forming apparatus 30 can calculate the elapsed time from the output hold state. Therefore, image forming apparatus 30 may issue a message prompting output to a group identified by the group ID stored in output information, or delete output data and output information when a predetermined time has elapsed since the output hold state was entered.

In addition, only one output data and output information may be stored for each group, or a plurality of output data may be stored. In the case of storing a plurality of output data and output information, the control unit 300 may issue output data that has not been output when executing the status release process and output data storage process, or may select the desired output data when executing the output process. output output data.

According to this embodiment, the user can confirm the state of the image forming apparatus 30 when the output request is issued in real time, and can determine whether to output the output data based on the state of the image forming apparatus 30 . As a result, it is possible to improve the user's usability.

In addition, the user can perform output settings via the messenger application, and by distributing a message including an output start instruction, request only the execution of printing for the job of the image forming apparatus 30 and collect the recording paper. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus 30 that is more convenient to use.

[2. Second Embodiment]

Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which, in addition to the processing described in the first embodiment, the state of the image forming apparatus is redistributed when the state of the image forming apparatus changes. In this embodiment, FIG. 6 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIG. 15 , and FIG. 8 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIG. 16 . In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same functional part and process, and description is abbreviate|omitted.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the functional configuration of image forming apparatus 32 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 15 , image forming apparatus 32 differs from image forming apparatus 30 in that storage unit 370 also stores state information 380 . The status information 380 is information indicating the status of the image forming apparatus 30 , for example, information such as "in-operation flag=1, number of output data=5".

Referring to FIG. 16 , the flow of the main processing of image forming apparatus 32 according to this embodiment will be described. The control unit 300 of the image forming apparatus 32 executes step S102 to step S118 as the main processing of the first embodiment, and concurrently executes status reissuing processing (step S202 ). The control unit 300 may execute the status reissuing process periodically, or at the timing when the operation on the image forming apparatus 30 starts or ends.

The flow of status reissue processing will be described with reference to FIG. 17 . In the status republishing process, first, the control unit 300 acquires the current status of the image forming apparatus 32 through the same process as the status posting process. That is, the control unit 300 initializes two variables, the flag in operation and the number of output data, by substituting "0" for each of them (step S2102). Next, control unit 300 determines whether image forming apparatus 32 is being operated, and if it is being operated, substitutes "1" into the operating flag (step S2104; Yes→step S2106). In addition, the control unit 300 substitutes the number of output data stored in the output data storage area into the number of output data (step S2108).

Next, the control unit 300 compares the state information 380 with the values of the in-operation flag and the number of output data, and calculates the difference between the state of the image forming apparatus 30 at the time when the state information 380 was stored and the time when the state redistribution process was executed. The amount of change (difference value) between the states of the image forming apparatus 30 (step S2110). Then, the control unit 300 judges whether or not the amount of change calculated in step S2110 satisfies the status redistribution condition (step S2110→step S2112). The status redistribution condition is a threshold value for determining the amount of change when distributing the status of the image forming apparatus 32 . For example, as the state redistribution condition, the threshold value of the amount of change (difference) in the number of output data is "5". In this case, when the difference between the output data number value stored in the status information 380 and the output data number variable value is 5 or more, the control unit 300 determines that the status redistribution condition is satisfied. In this way, the image forming device 32 announces the status of the image forming device 32 when the number of output data decreases (congestion is eliminated) or when the number of output data increases (congestion occurs). In addition, the status redistribution conditions may be determined in advance, or may be set by a manager of the image forming apparatus 32 or the like.

When the status redistribution condition is satisfied, next, the control unit 300 acquires the group ID of the group in the output holding state (step S2112; YES→step S2114). For example, the control unit 300 can acquire the group IDs of the groups in the output hold state by extracting the group IDs included in the output information stored in the output information storage area 378 and summarizing the parts with the same extracted group IDs. Next, the message generating unit 306 generates, for each group ID of the group in the output holding state, a message whose content is to be distributed based on the amount of change calculated in step S2110 (step S2116 ). The content based on the amount of change is, for example, text data (for example, "is free", "is busy", etc.) that the message generation unit 306 indicates an overview of the congestion situation.

Next, the control unit 300 distributes the message generated by the message generating unit 306 to the server device 20 (step S2118). In addition, the control unit 300 stores the values of the flag in operation and the number of output data as the status information 380 (step S2120).

In addition, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether to reissue the image forming process based on the amount of change in the state of the image forming apparatus 32 at the time (time) when the state information 380 is stored and the time (time) when the state reissue process is executed. The state of the device 32, but may not be so. For example, whether to redistribute the status of the image forming apparatus 32 may be determined based only on the status of the image forming apparatus 32 when the status redistribution process is executed. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 32 may issue a message indicating that congestion has been eliminated when the number of output data is equal to or less than a first threshold (for example, "3"), and may issue a message indicating that the congestion is eliminated when the number of output data is greater than or equal to the first threshold (for example, "10"). A message indicating congestion is issued at that time.

Referring to FIG. 18 , an operation example of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing what is displayed on the display unit when the image forming apparatus 32 issues a message M200 indicating the state of the image forming apparatus 32, a message M202 indicating that it is in an output holding state, and a message M204 indicating the state of the image forming apparatus 32. 110 is a diagram of an example of the display screen W200. As shown in FIG. 18 , even when the image forming apparatus 32 is in the output hold state, it is possible to notify the user of a change in the state of the image forming apparatus 32 . Therefore, the user can know the status of the image forming device 32 in real time when the status of the image forming device 32 changes.

According to this embodiment, the user can know the state of the image forming apparatus 32 according to the state change of the image forming apparatus 32 , so the user can easily grasp the state of the image forming apparatus 32 in real time. For example, when the number of users using the image forming apparatus 32 used by the user increases, the image forming apparatus 32 distributes a message indicating that the density of users increases, so that the user can miss the timing of going to the image forming apparatus 32 .

[3. Third Embodiment]

Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it is an embodiment when a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 belong to a group. In this embodiment, FIG. 1 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIG. 19 , FIG. 8 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIG. 20 , and FIG. 10 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIGS. 21 and 22 . In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same functional part and process, and description is abbreviate|omitted.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the output system 2 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19 , a case where three image forming apparatuses 30 (image forming apparatus 30 a , image forming apparatus 30 b , and image forming apparatus 30 c ) are connected to the network NW and belong to the same group will be described. In addition, there may not be three image forming apparatuses 30 connected to the network NW. In addition, when there are a plurality of groups, it may be a group to which some image forming apparatuses 30 among the three image forming apparatuses 30 belong.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the message judging unit 304 differs in that instead of judging whether the type of the message is an output execution request, the message judging unit 304 judges whether or not the type of the message is an output destination designation request.

The output destination designation request is a message indicating a request to designate or change the image forming apparatus 30 (output destination) that outputs the output data. When the type of the message is an output destination specifying request, it means, for example, that the posting content is "printing by MFP 2" and includes content specifying one image forming apparatus 30 among the image forming apparatuses 30 belonging to the group (for example, image Form the case of text data of the account, user name) of the device 30.

In the case where the type of message is an output destination specification request, the determination result includes information that the type of message is an output destination specification request and information on the image forming apparatus 30 specified as the output destination (for example, the image forming apparatus 30 account, user name). The image forming apparatus 30 can determine whether the image forming apparatus 30 is designated as the output destination or whether another image forming apparatus 30 is designated as the output destination by judging whether the output destination information included in the judgment result matches the information of the own apparatus. land.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when the type of the message is an output destination designation request, when the output destination is changed, the image forming apparatus 30 that was previously designated as the output destination is transferred to the newly designated output destination. The image forming apparatus 30 sends output data and output information.

FIG. 20 shows the main processing of the image forming apparatus 30 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, when the type of the message is not an output request, the control unit 300 determines whether the content of the message included in the determination result is an output destination designation request (step S106; NO→step S302) .

When the type of the message is an output destination designation request, next, the control unit 300 determines whether the output destination of the output data is the own device (step S302; YES→step S304). When the output destination of the output data is the own device, the control unit 300 executes the output data storage process (step S304; YES→step S306). The output data storage processing of this embodiment will be described later.

When the output destination of the output data is another image forming apparatus 30 , the control unit 300 checks whether the output data and output information of the group specified based on the distribution destination group ID of the message acquired in step S102 are stored. Judgment is made (step S304; NO→step S308). Specifically, output information in which the group ID included in the output information stored in the output information storage area 378 matches the delivery destination group ID of the message acquired in step S102 is extracted. When one or more pieces of output information are extracted, it is determined that the output data and output information of the group identified from the delivery destination group ID of the message are stored.

When the output data and output information are stored, the control unit 300 transmits the destination group ID specified based on the message acquired in step S102 to other image forming apparatuses 30 as output destinations included in the determination result. The output data and output information of the group (step S308; Yes→step S310). In addition, the control unit 300 deletes the transmitted output data and output information (step S312).

In addition, when the output destination of the output data is another image forming apparatus 30 , the output data storage process is not executed, and even if a message related to the output data and output setting is issued, it is ignored. Therefore, even when a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 belong to a group, the image forming apparatus storing the output data and output information is the image forming apparatus 30 specified as the output destination.

The output data storage process of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21 . First, the control unit 300 determines whether output data and output information have been received from another image forming apparatus 30 (step S3202 ). Specifically, when output data and output information are stored in another image forming apparatus 30 , when the user designates the own apparatus as the output destination, the own apparatus receives the output data sent from the other image forming apparatus 30 . output data and output information.

When output data and output information are received from another image forming apparatus 30, the received output data and output information are stored (step S3202; YES→step S3204). Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the output data can be output based on the stored output data and output information (step S3206). If the output data can be output, the control unit 300 ends the output data storage process (step S3206; YES). When output data cannot be output, the control part 300 performs the process of step S1206 of FIG. 22 (step S3206; NO→step S1206).

Turning to FIG. 22 , the control unit 300 acquires a message from the server device 20 via the message acquiring unit 302 , and acquires a judgment result of the acquired message via the message judging unit 304 (step S1206 ). Furthermore, the control unit 300 judges whether the judgment result output from the message judging unit 304 is an output setting request (step S1210), and if it is not an output setting request, checks whether the type of the message is an output destination designation request. Judgment (step S1210; NO→step S3208).

If the type of the message is an output destination designation request, next, the control unit 300 determines whether the output destination of the output data is another device (step S3208; YES→step S3210). When the output destination of the output data is another device, control unit 300 transmits the output data and output information to another image forming device 30 specified as the output destination (step S3210; YES→step S3212). Then, the control unit 300 deletes the transmitted output data from the output data storage area 376, and ends the output data storage process (step S3214).

In this way, the control unit 300 of the image forming apparatus 30 that is not the output destination of the output data acquires the message, but ignores the contents even if information indicating the output data or a message including an output setting request is issued from the user. On the other hand, when the output destination of the output data is changed from another image forming apparatus 30 to the own apparatus, it is possible to take over the output data and output information by receiving the output data and output information already stored in the other image forming apparatus 30 . Output information.

An operation example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 23(a) and 23(b) show the display screens W300 and W320 displayed on the display unit 110 when the control unit 100 in the group to which a plurality of users belongs reads the messenger application 132 and executes it. A diagram of an example. The time axis shown in (a) of FIG. 23 is continuous in time series with the time axis shown in (b) of FIG. 23 .

In addition, (a) of FIG. 23 shows that, as shown in area E300, a user (account is "user 1") using terminal device 10 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 (accounts are "MFP1", "MFP2", " MFP3") is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a group performing one-to-many message transmission and reception.

Here, referring to (a) of FIG. 23 , for example, a user belonging to a group posts a message M300 containing text data such as "I want to print" and a message M302 containing information representing an image. The image forming apparatuses 30 belonging to the group acquire messages, and determine the types of the acquired messages M300 and M302 . When it is determined that the type of the message is an output request, a message including the state of the image forming apparatus 30 is distributed. For example, MFP1 issues a message M304, MFP2 issues a message M306, and MFP3 issues a message M308 as messages including the status of the image forming apparatus 30.

Next, the user publishes a message M310, and the content of the message M310 is text data such as "MFP1!". Image forming apparatus 30 acquires the message, and determines the type of the acquired message M310. When the image forming apparatus 30 is a message type of an output destination specification request, the image forming apparatus 30 specified as the output destination issues a message M312 indicating that it is specified as the output destination. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 30 designated as the output destination issues a message M314 urging the issuance of the output setting. In this way, after the user designates the output destination, communication between the user and the image forming apparatus 30 designated as the output destination is performed.

Here, when the message M320 including the output destination designation request is issued for the convenience of the user, etc., the image forming apparatus 30 previously designated as the output destination transmits the output data and output information to the newly designated output destination. The image forming apparatus 30 designated as the output destination. At this time, image forming apparatus 30 may issue a message indicating that the output destination has been changed. For example, when the output destination is changed from MFP1 to MFP2, a message M322 indicating that MFP1 is not the output destination may be issued, and a message M324 indicating that MFP2 is designated as the output destination may be issued.

24 and 25 are diagrams showing examples of display screens displaying a button for issuing an output destination designation request. For example, in the lower part of the display screen W330 in (a) of FIG. 24 , a region E330 is displayed, and buttons capable of selecting image forming apparatuses 30 belonging to the group are arranged in the region E330 .

When a button displayed in the area E330 is selected by the user, the messenger app 132 recognizes and displays the selected button by thickening the frame of the selected button or graying out the unselected button. In addition, when the button is selected by the user, a message indicating that the button is selected (for example, a message "MFP1 is selected") may be displayed by the function of the messenger application 132 .

In a case where the button is selected by the user, the messenger app 132 issues a message including an output destination designation request. In this way, the user can designate the output destination of the output data without posting a message including the account of the image forming apparatus 30 . In addition, when the user selects the button displayed in the area E330, the terminal device 10 and the server device 20 may notify the image forming device 30 that it is designated as the output destination by a method other than distribution. In this way, even when the user unintentionally posts a message including the account of the image forming apparatus 30 , it is possible to prevent the output destination from being changed.

The button displayed in the area E330 may visually show the state of the image forming apparatus 30 for each image forming apparatus 30 belonging to the group. For example, the state of the image forming apparatus 30 may be graphically displayed as in the display screen W330 in (a) of FIG. 24 . The graph shows whether the image forming apparatus 30 is in operation (whether the operating user is 1 or 0), the number of output data, and the number of people in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 30 . The number of people and the number of output data can also be identified by the color of the band of the graph (for example, the difference in shade, the difference in hue). In addition, the graph may also show the operating rate based on the number of people. There are various calculation methods for the operation rate, but any calculation method may be used as long as the user can be presented with information capable of judging the operation status of the image forming apparatus 30 from the number of people and the situation.

In addition, it is preferable that the graph is updated at predetermined intervals so that the status of the image forming apparatus 30 can be displayed in real time as much as possible. For example, each image forming apparatus 30 belonging to the group periodically distributes or notifies the state of the image forming apparatus 30 to the group, and updates the display of the graph. In addition, one of the image forming apparatuses 30 belonging to the group may periodically inquire about the status of other image forming apparatuses 30 , and distribute or notify the group of information summarizing the status of each image forming apparatus 30 .

In addition, as another display example of the button, as shown in the display screen W340 in (b) of FIG. The number of data (the number of users waiting for output), and the number of people around the image forming apparatus 30 . People's marks can also be recognized by the intensity of the color. For example, a mark of a dark color indicates a user in operation, a mark of a light color indicates the number of people near the image forming apparatus 30, and a mark of a medium-density color indicates a waiting time. output user. For example, in the example of (b) of FIG. 24 , the image forming apparatus 30 whose account is “MFP1” indicates that it is operating and that there are two people nearby. In addition, the icon may be recognized by a difference in hue. For example, a user in operation may be indicated in red, a number of people near the image forming apparatus 30 may be indicated in yellow, and a user waiting for output may be indicated in gray.

In addition, as another display example of the button, it is also possible to change the color of the button based on the operation rate as shown in the display screen W350 of FIG. 25 . For example, the operating rate may be recognized by the shade of the color, and the color of the button becomes lighter if the number of users is too sparse, and the color of the button becomes darker if the number of users is too dense. For example, in the example of FIG. 25 , the operation rate of the image forming apparatus 30 with the account “MFP1” is the lowest, and the operation rate of the image forming apparatus 30 with the account “MFP2” is the highest. In addition, the operating rate can also be identified by the difference in hue. For example, if the number of users is too dense, it can be represented by red, if the number of users is average, it can be represented by yellow, if the number of users is too sparse, it can be represented by blue, and when there is no user density at all, it can be represented by red. Users are indicated in gray.

In addition, in the description of the present embodiment, a group in the case of a single user using the terminal device 10 has been described, but a plurality of users using the terminal device 10 may belong to a group. In this case, the user can designate the image forming apparatus 30 to be the output destination according to the convenience of the user who collects the output recording paper.

In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 30 directly transmits output data and output information to another image forming apparatus 30 has been described, but this configuration may not be necessary. For example, a server that manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 is connected to each image forming apparatus 30 . When an image forming apparatus 30 receives a message including a request to change an output destination, the image forming apparatus 30 transmits output data and output information to a server that manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 . In addition, the server that manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 may transmit the output data and output information to the image forming apparatus 30 newly specified as the output destination.

According to the present embodiment, the user can confirm the status of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 by creating a group to which the plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 belong and posting a message including an output request to the group. In addition, the user can designate an appropriate image forming apparatus 30 as an output destination from a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 based on the status of the image forming apparatus 30 . In addition, even when the image forming apparatus 30 as the output destination is changed, the user can perform the process of outputting the output data in the image forming apparatus 30 designated as the new output destination without any particular order. .

[4. Fourth Embodiment]

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, in addition to the processing described in the third embodiment, when another image forming apparatus is in an output holding state, when the state of the own image forming apparatus changes, the user is advised (recommended) that the image forming apparatus should perform output. implementation. In this embodiment, FIG. 20 of the third embodiment is replaced with FIG. 26 . In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same functional part and process, and description is abbreviate|omitted.

Referring to FIG. 26 , the main processing of image forming apparatus 30 according to this embodiment will be described. The control unit 300 of the image forming apparatus 30 executes step S102 to step S118 as the main process of the third embodiment, and executes the recommendation issuing process in parallel (step S402 ).

Referring to FIG. 27 , the recommendation issuing process will be described. First, the control unit 300 acquires the current state of the image forming apparatus 30 . That is, the control unit 300 initializes the two variables, the flag in operation and the number of output data, by substituting "0" for each of them (step S4102). Next, when image forming apparatus 30 is being operated, control unit 300 substitutes "1" for the in-operation flag (step S4104; YES→step S4106). In addition, the control unit 300 substitutes the number of output data stored in the output data storage area 376 into the output data number (step S4108).

Next, the control unit 300 judges whether the two variables of the flag in operation and the number of output data satisfy the recommended transmission condition (output suggestion condition) (step S4110). The recommended transmission condition refers to a condition related to a case where the own device is recommended as an output destination of the output data. For example, the recommended sending condition is set when the operating flag is 0 and the number of output data is 3 or less. In this way, even when the own device is not in the output hold state, the control unit 300 can suggest designating the own device as an output destination to the user when there are few users using the device.

If the recommendation transmission condition is satisfied, next, the group ID of another image forming apparatus 30 whose output is held is acquired (step S4110; Yes→step S4112). For example, control unit 300 determines whether or not other image forming apparatuses 30 belonging to the group are in the output holding state based on the content of the acquired message, or inquires whether other image forming apparatuses 30 belonging to the group are in the output holding state.

Next, the control unit 300 instructs the message generating unit 306 to generate a message in which the own device is proposed as an output destination as the distribution content (step S4114 ). The content suggesting this device as an output destination is, for example, text data urging designation of an output destination, text data indicating that congestion has been eliminated (for example, "is free"). Next, the control unit 300 distributes the message generated by the message generating unit 306 to the server device 20 (step S4116).

Referring to FIG. 28 , an operation example of this embodiment is shown. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W400 including a time axis of a group to which a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 belong. A message M400 in FIG. 28 is a message indicating an output hold state issued by one of the image forming apparatuses 30 belonging to the group (the account is "MFP1").

In addition, the message M402 of FIG. 28 is a message issued by the image forming apparatus 30 (the account is "MFP2") which is not in the output holding state. As shown in the message M402, the posting contains text data indicating that the congestion condition has been eliminated. When a message M404 including an output destination specification request is issued by the user, the image forming apparatus 30 previously specified as the output destination transmits output data and output information to the image forming apparatus 30 newly specified as the output destination. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the image forming apparatus 30 is not in the output hold state, based on the state of the image forming apparatus 30 , it is possible to suggest to the user that this apparatus is the output destination of the output data. In addition, the user can flexibly change the output destination according to the state of the image forming apparatus 30 . In the case of a group to which a plurality of users belong, the user collecting the output recording paper can specify the image forming apparatus 30 as the output destination, or can change the output destination by knowing the status of the image forming apparatus 30 in real time.

[5. Modifications]

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. That is, the technical scope of the present invention also includes an embodiment obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within a scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, there are parts described separately for the convenience of description, but it is of course possible to combine them within a technically feasible range.

In addition, the programs operated by each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that function the computer) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Moreover, the information processed by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during its processing, and then stored in storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs. The CPU reads, corrects, and writes.

Here, as the storage medium for storing the program, it may also be a semiconductor medium (such as ROM, a non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium (such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc, Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc, Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc, Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc, Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray Disc) (registered trademark), etc.), magnetic storage media (such as tape, floppy disk, etc.) etc. In addition, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the loaded program, but also the functions of the present invention may be realized by performing joint processing with an operating system or other application programs based on instructions of the program.

In addition, when distributing the program in the market, the program can be stored in a portable storage medium and distributed, or can be transmitted to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, of course, the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present invention.

Explanation of reference signs

1: Output system

10: Terminal device

100: Control Department

102: Time axis display control unit

110: display unit

120: Operation input unit

130: Storage Department

132: Messenger Apps

134: group information storage area

136: message storage area

138: image data storage area

140: Ministry of Communications

20: Server device

200: Control Department

210: Message receiving department

220: Information Provision Department

230: Department of Communications

240: Storage Department

242: group information storage area

244: message storage area

246: image data storage area

230: Department of Communications

30: Image forming device

300: Control Department

302: Information acquisition department

304: Message judgment department

306: Message generation department

320: image input unit

330: Image Processing Department

340: Image Formation Department

350: Display

360: Operation input unit

370: Storage Department

372: Group information storage area

374: message storage area

376: output data storage area

378: output information storage area

380: status information

390: Department of Communications

Claims (8)

1. An image forming device included in a system having the following devices: a server that provides messages issued from a plurality of devices to each device in time series; an image forming device that forms an image based on output data a forming part; and a terminal device capable of displaying a message acquired from said server, The image forming apparatus is characterized by comprising: a message acquisition section that acquires a message provided by a server by transmitting a message provision request when receiving a notification from the server indicating that the message has been posted; a message judging unit that judges the type of the acquired message based on the sent message provision request; a message generation unit that generates a message in response to a determination by the message determination unit that the type of the message is an output request requesting a message based on a state of the image forming apparatus; and a message distribution unit that distributes the generated message to the server, The message generating section generates a message including content of distribution based on information indicating whether a user operates the image forming apparatus and the amount of output data that is a subject of image formation by the image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The message generation unit generates a message based on a state of the image forming apparatus when the difference between the number of output data to be imaged by the image forming apparatus at two different times is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. . 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The message acquiring unit is capable of acquiring messages distributed to the own device and the group to which the one or more other image forming devices belong, The image forming apparatus further includes: The image formation destination determination unit, when the type of the acquired message is an output destination designation request to designate an image forming apparatus to be an output destination of an image among the image forming apparatuses belonging to the group , to determine whether the output destination of the image is the own device or another image forming device; and An output data storage unit that stores output data included in the acquired message when the output destination of the image is the own device. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: An output data transmission unit is further provided which stores, in the output data storage unit, when the output destination of the image is determined to be the other image forming apparatus by the image formation destination determination unit. When the output data is available, the output data is sent to the other image forming apparatus. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: When the output suggestion condition is satisfied and the output data is stored in the other image forming apparatus, the message generation unit generates a message suggesting specifying the own apparatus as an output destination of the image. 6. A control method, which is a control method of an image forming apparatus included in a system having the following devices: a server that supplies messages issued from a plurality of apparatuses to each apparatus in time series; a forming device having an image forming section that forms an image based on output data; and a terminal device capable of displaying a message acquired from the server, The control method is characterized in that it includes: a step of obtaining a message provided by a server by sending a message provision request upon receipt of a notification from said server indicating that the message has been published; a step of determining the type of the acquired message based on the sent message provision request; In the step of determining the type of the acquired message, a step of generating a message based on the determination that the type of the message is an output request requesting a message based on the state of the image forming apparatus; and the step of publishing said generated message to said server, In the message generating step, a message is generated including content of distribution based on information indicating whether the user operates the image forming apparatus and the amount of output data that is a subject of image formation by the image forming apparatus. 7. A computer-readable recording medium in which a program is recorded, characterized in that, The program causes the computer of the image forming device included in the system to realize the following functions, wherein the system has: a server that provides messages issued from a plurality of devices to each device in time series; having an image forming section that forms an image based on output data; and a terminal device capable of displaying a message acquired from the server, the functions of which are: a message acquisition function that acquires a message from a server by sending a message provision request when receiving a notification from the server indicating that the message has been published; a message determination function, which determines the type of the acquired message based on the sent message provision request; a message generating function that generates a message in response to a case where the message judging function judges that the type of the message is an output request requesting a message based on a state of the image forming apparatus; and a message publishing function, which publishes the generated message to the server, In the message generation function, a message is generated including content of distribution based on information indicating whether the user operates the image forming apparatus and the amount of output data that is the subject of image formation by the image forming apparatus. 8. A system comprising a server, an image forming apparatus, and a terminal apparatus, characterized in that, The server has: a providing unit that supplies messages distributed from a plurality of devices to each device in time series, The image forming apparatus has: a message acquisition section that acquires a message provided by a server by transmitting a message provision request when receiving a notification from the server indicating that the message has been posted; a message judging unit that judges the type of the acquired message based on the sent message provision request; a message generating section that generates a message based on an output request determined by the message judging section that the type of the message is a message requesting a message based on a state of the image forming apparatus; and a message distribution unit that distributes the generated message to the server, The message generating section generates a message including distribution content based on information indicating whether a user operates the image forming apparatus and the amount of output data that is an object of image formation by the image forming apparatus, The terminal device includes a display unit capable of displaying the message acquired from the server.

Images